Pauline and Alan Davies

Very Japanese……ploughing through the issues and themes with dogged determination. The film grabs your attention but I’m not convinced that this is not due to the all round, superlative acting. It’s simply too long and drags, plot wise, however it’s worth seeing for the performance of the two male leads

Cate Blanchett’s performance is superlative but wasted on a poor storyline and dull script. Themes are developed but outcomes and feelings are fuzzy. Issues are raised repeatedly yet not fully addressed. Dialogue is rendered obscure by jargon - OK off you’re a musician but if you’re not, hard luck. Far too long a film - I ached for the end of it! Great production in terms of camera work and acting but not in my “best of 2023” Alan of Alfriston